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While there are many different analyses about the current impact of the medical tourism market, there is no doubt that it holds significant implications for employers, providers, payors and individuals. On September 17th from 8:00 – 9:30AM, the Dallas Regional Chamber will host a Healthcare Hot Topics breakfast at the Westin Park Central to discuss current trends, barriers to growth, management of risk and domestic policy’s impact in the medical tourism market.
There is no doubt that rising healthcare costs in the U.S. are hurting employers’ competitiveness. American consumers of healthcare are desperately seeking low-cost and high-quality alternatives to the traditional healthcare system.
Some have found an answer in medical tourism. According to McKinsey & Company, the medical tourism industry, defined as people who live in one country traveling to another country to receive medical, dental and surgical care, grossed about $60 billion worldwide in 2006. McKinsey estimates that this number will rise to $100 billion by 2012.
Proponents of medical travel cite its dominant advantage in cost savings. Lower costs are common in other countries as a result of lower labor costs, price transparency, less charity care cost-shifting and fewer regulations.
On the other hand, there are still major risks that prevent accelerated medical tourism growth. Vague quality standards, disconnects in follow-up treatment, the impact of foreign policy and political stability have stunted widespread market acceptance.
For more information and to register, visit www.dallaschamber.org/healthcare. With sponsorship inquiries, contact 214-746-6734.
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Richard Knight, Jr. 
R. Gerald Turner